I transmigrated and got a husband and a son!
Chapter 779: Pretense

Chapter 779: Pretense

Hours had passed in the blink of an eye, and before Leo knew it, over a week had gone by since his abduction. By this time, he had recovered from all the drugs used to keep him bedridden. Throughout this period, Hera had always been by his side.

Ever since she discovered his existence, she made it a routine to visit his room early in the mornings, spending her lunch and snack breaks with him. As he regained his motor skills, she introduced him to the art of making vases in the garden.

Just like today.

Leo silently observed Hera across the table, where they had an array of flowers they’d picked from the garden. She delicately trimmed the stems, placing them in a basket and repeating the process with precision. Her unhurried movements indicated how much she dedicated herself to this activity.

"You really like flowers, huh?" he broke the silence, earning a glance from her.

Hera smiled. "They’re beautiful," she replied, refocusing on her task. "They bring life and color to our home."

"Is that so?" Leo leaned back, surveying the verdant surroundings. "Well, now that I think about it, this garden is remarkably peaceful."

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Compared to his room, being in the garden provided a sense of freedom. Its expanse made him feel as if his freedom stretched to wherever the grass extended.

"Being confined makes you appreciate the outside world," she whispered, catching his attention with a raised brow. "Taking even just a bit from the outside is comforting, in a sense."

Leo pursed his lips, tapping his fingers against the armrest. Somehow, this reminded him of his life before his abduction. It resembled being confined, lying in bed, anticipating the next injection of suspicious drugs.

Though there were clear differences, the constraints that came along with fame almost robbed him of his freedom. People watched his attire, every word he uttered, and even his choice of friends. Some awaited his missteps, while others comforted him with ’conditional’ support.

Perhaps that was why adapting to this situation came naturally. He had been navigating such complexities, tiptoeing his every step, cautious not to make a mistake.

"Do you... wish to leave?" he blurted out, quickly regretting it as he bit his tongue.

"We’re already outside," she replied, arching a brow.

"I mean, beyond the walls of this mansion," he clarified. Having initiated the conversation, he continued, "Since recovering, you haven’t been outside."

Hera paused her trimming, slowly meeting his gaze. "Do you want to leave this place, Leo?" she asked gently.

"Well..." Leo smiled, shrugging. "Who knows?"

"If being outside is what you desire, then you should," she encouraged. "After spending time with you, I sense your outgoing nature. You know many people and have a lot of friends outside. It’s unfair for you to be here because of me."

His brows rose as he watched her pick another flower. "What do you mean?" he blurted out, his heart beating faster.

Hera glanced up, smiling. "It was because of me that we had an accident, remember?"

"Ah..." Leo nodded, exhaling deeply. Yet, the relief didn’t reach his heart as he kept his gaze fixed on her.

Meanwhile, Hera resumed her task, pausing occasionally. She surveyed the basket, satisfied with its contents. Not wanting to waste the last three untrimmed flowers, she began preparing them.

Leo remained silent, his eyes locked on her as she carefully trimmed each flower. When she reached the last one, he spoke.

"What about you?" he asked, glancing around cautiously. "Do you want to leave?"

"Why would I want to leave?" she replied softly, her focus on the flower. Placing it in the basket, she looked at him directly. Her smile was peaceful, but it did not reach her eyes.

"I’m finished," she announced, placing her hands on the basket’s sides. "I’ll take these inside and arrange them in a vase. The ones I sent to Frank’s office might have wilted. The weather outside makes arranging these flowers later a challenge. So, I’ll go now."

Her smile remained as she tilted her head. "I’ll see you later, Leo."

As Hera prepared to stand, he spoke.

"Why?" he blurted out, watching her glance back. "Did you lie?"

"Hmm?"

Leo hesitated, glancing around before refocusing on her. Leaning forward, he rested a fist on the table between them.

"Hera," he called quietly, choosing his words carefully. "I know it wasn’t a car accident, and I know you’ve been aware that I’ve been lying since day one. Why did you go along with it?"

Her response was a simple smile before she replied softly, "Leo, do you like me?"

Hera’s sudden question in response to Leo’s query threw him off guard. Deep lines instantly appeared between his brows as he looked at her with confusion, while she maintained a smile.

"After spending time with me, did you perhaps fall in love with me?" she asked gently. "I wonder... was it because I’ve been spending time with you? That you somehow found solace in my company? And because you are locked in here, my beauty stood out?"

"What nonsense are you saying?" he replied in disbelief. "Hera, that’s not—"

"I’m married," she intercepted before he could finish his sentence. Her smile gradually faded, but the calmness on her face lingered. "If you were somebody else, I wouldn’t mind nurturing your feelings for me and perhaps fooling around while we’re alone in your room."

His brows knitted, unable to believe the words he was hearing at this moment. Hera had always been like an innocent angel all this time. Therefore, listening to her talk about engaging in an illicit affair behind her husband’s back was truly shocking.

"It would have been satisfying to see him lose his mind at the mere thought of me with another man." Her innocent smile returned, but her words were disconcerting. "He won’t kill me. The worst thing he could do was lock me in or fry my brain, so I forget. But it won’t be the same for you. He’ll vent his frustration, anger, and agony to you. And even if he kills you, he’d still be miserable. So it’s still a win for me... if only you are somebody else."

Hera slowly stood from her seat, still smiling radiantly. If one was watching, they wouldn’t even suspect the conversation these two were having.

"He’s watching, Leo. Don’t make that face," she advised. "If you want to last long in here until a miracle comes, then keep up the pretense. I don’t mind, even if you keep using me as your means of survival. After all, the reason you’re here is because of my foolishness."

"Anyhow, I got to go." Her smile stretched, and she turned on her heel to leave. "Forget we had this conversation because I would."

Meanwhile, Leo was in a daze as he stared at her back. Just then, he caught a figure from the corner of his eyes. When he turned his head, he gulped at the sight of Dragon standing from a distance, eyes on him.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.